Toot Toot N ($17.20) made his return to Grand River Raceway a triumphant one, leading at every call in Wednesday evening's (Sept. 5) featured $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace.
Widest of three to leave, Toot Toot N and owner-driver Ed Hensley used the entirety of a :28 first quarter to clear even-money favourite This Is My Song (Scott Coulter) and Par Intended (Paul MacKenzie), who also were involved from the outset. Toot Toot N quickly backed the tempo down on the second turn, pulling the half back to :57.4 before Adore Him (Ryan Holliday) emerged out of fourth to offer mild first-over pressure in the second circuit.
Nearing the final turn, Toot Toot N began to edge away from the second flight, keeping Adore Him and This Is My Song both at bay through three-quarters in 1:26.4. The seven-year-old Gotta Go Cullen gelding threw down a :27.3 closing split to ice his 14th career win, holding 1-3/4 lengths clear of his pocket rival This Is My Song in 1:54.2. Adore Him flattened off the home turn but was able to muster a third-place finish.
Toot Toot N, who first competed in Canada in July of 2017, has campaigned exclusively for trainer Ashleigh Hensley — who shares in the ownership as well — since arriving. He has won nine times on Canadian soil, with eight of those scores taking place this season.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results – Grand River Raceway.